Grace Hotel, a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection, was awarded the title of No 1 Best Resort Hotel in Greece at the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022.

It was also runner-up for Best Hotel in Europe and Best Hotel in the World. These important distinctions for the 20-room luxury boutique hotel in Imerovigli on the southern Aegean island, “reflect the effort of the entire hotel team and are a special reward,” said Giorgos Avgoustis, general manager of Grace Hotel.

The complex also hosts the Varoulko Santorini restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou presents a menu of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals and the proper goal setting. The initials from the word SMART form an acronym and provide “technical” characteristics to a goal to make it more achievable. The original SMART traditionally formed the words Small, Measurable, Accurate, Realistic and Timed, or variations of them, to help create attainable goals. With newer insights in the neurosciences and an improved understanding of the functioning of the human brain, the landscape around the use of the subconscious mind has changed. Thus, the newer, “smarter” goals that emerged allows us to have even greater accuracy and therefore success in what we want to achieve.

Based on Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and the science of Coaching, there are other concepts that are good to include in the right goal setting that make the goal much more achievable, so that SMART is enriched. So what is SMART targeting with the latest data and how can you use it to your advantage?

S for Specific, Sensory-based, Simple, Small

Specific: your goal must be specific in order to be measurable (eg date, exact proof that you did it)

Sensory-based: What you will see, feel, hear, what do you say to yourself when you achieve your goal? The more you use your sensory system (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, Gustator, using all of our five senses - VAKOG) to describe the goal, the better it is recorded by your subconscious

Simple: simple, not simplistic

Small: even if the goal is big, we break it down into small steps

M for Measurable, Meaningful to you

Measurable: exactly how much money, what exactly will I look at, exactly how much will it be to know that I did it

Meaningful to you: the goal must have been set by you for you, so that it matters and is something that motivates you.

Α for Achievable, As if now, All areas of your life

Achievable: even if not now with the tools and knowledge I already have, in the future with what I will acquire

As if now: think of your goal as if you have already achieved it

All areas of your life: in successful goal setting, achieving a goal improves the overall quality of life of the individual.

R for Realistic, Responsible / Ecological

Realistic: can the goal be achieved, is it realistic, have others achieved it? If so, we measure our skills / abilities / knowledge, acquire those we do not have or ask for help, and resolve situations and views that keep us blocked. If not, reassess the goal so that it is achievable.

Responsible / Ecological: achieving the goal improves our ecology, i.e. the environment where we live / work / relationships / the natural environment etc. Does our goal promote the greater good? Is it positive and does it positively affect other areas of our lives and life in general? The better for our ecology, the easier it is to achieve the goal.

T for Timed, Towards what you want

Timed: when exactly do I want to have achieved it? The use of specific time frames helps and informs us about our course

Towards what you want: all your attention should be where you want to get and not where you want to get away from. If your focus is on poverty, you will never be able to reach abundance.

Other acronyms that can help you clarify what you need in order to set successful goals are:

PURE: Positively stated Understood Relevant Ethical / Ecological

CLEAR: Challenging Legal Environmentally Sound Appropriate Recorded

Let’s set goals properly and achieve what we long for!

Originally published on: christinadrakopoulou.com

I help outstanding individuals get unstuck from personal fears and limitations and fast-track to the life of their dreams. I specialize in the problems of modern life in urban environments: a job we do not love, dead-end relationships, lethargy, burnout, inability to live in stereotypes, excessive stress, a general feeling of “blockage”, “helplessness” and “entrapment”. For more information about me and my work visit my website.

Nestled among the picturesque Dodecanese islands lies the charming Arki, a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its serene atmosphere, crystalline waters, and rich history, Arki offers a truly authentic Greek island experience.

Far from the crowds and commercialism, Arki offers a retreat into solitude, where you can bask in the warmth of the sun and the gentle embrace of the sea. With just 40 permanent residents, the island exudes a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal haven for weary souls.

Most shops and accommodations are clustered around the harbor, ensuring easy access to amenities while maintaining the island's unspoiled beauty. In recent years, Arki has become a popular destination for yacht owners, drawn to its pristine waters and uncharted territories in the Eastern Aegean.

Arki boasts stunning beaches framed by rugged cliffs and azure seas, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Visitors can unwind on the secluded shores of Tiganakia Beach or explore the enchanting coves of Patelia Beach, where tranquility reigns supreme.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by Arki's ancient past. The island is home to archaeological sites dating back to antiquity, including the remains of a Hellenistic fortress and a Roman mausoleum. Wander through the narrow streets of the main village, where traditional whitewashed houses and Byzantine churches offer glimpses into Arkioi's storied past.

One of Arki's highlights is its warm hospitality and authentic Greek cuisine. Sample fresh seafood delicacies at local tavernas, where fishermen bring in their daily catch straight from the sea. Savor traditional dishes infused with local herbs and flavors, accompanied by a glass of crisp, cold ouzo—the perfect way to immerse yourself in Arki's culinary delights.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a cultural journey, Arkioi offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Dodecanese. With its natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, this hidden gem beckons travelers to discover the true essence of Greek island life.

As the calendar turns to a new month, it’s like opening a fresh chapter in a book—full of potential, blank pages waiting to be filled, and the promise of new adventures ahead. Each month brings an opportunity for reinvention, reflection, and renewal. Rather than allowing the relentless pace of work to blur the significance of time, treat each new month as a crucial moment to recalibrate your career ambitions. Here’s how to transform that fresh start into a powerful springboard for professional growth.

Before diving headfirst into new tasks, take a moment to pause and reflect. This isn’t just about what went right or wrong; it’s an opportunity to explore the deeper narratives of your work life. Ask yourself: What lessons did I learn about my work habits? How did I respond to challenges? Were there moments of inspiration that reignited my passion? Documenting your reflections in a journal can help create a roadmap for where you want to go next, providing clarity amidst the chaos.

Goals often fall flat when they lack personal resonance. This month, infuse your goal-setting with intention. Instead of merely listing tasks, craft a vision that aligns with your core values and aspirations. Use visualization techniques: picture yourself accomplishing each goal and consider how it aligns with your long-term career vision. Whether you aim to enhance your skill set, forge new connections, or embark on a challenging project, ensuring your goals resonate with your passions can fuel your motivation.

Once your goals are crystal clear, it’s time to break them down into bite-sized, actionable steps. Create a vision board or a mind map that visually represents your goals and the specific actions needed to achieve them. This technique not only helps in organizing your tasks but also allows you to see the bigger picture and how each action contributes to your overall vision. As you check off each task, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward.

Adopt a mindset that embraces learning and curiosity. Each month offers a unique chance to explore new skills or perspectives that can enrich your career. Dive into industry-related podcasts, read books that challenge your thinking, or take online courses that intrigue you. Consider dedicating a small portion of your time each week to learning something new, allowing your career to evolve alongside your expanding knowledge base.

In the hustle of daily work, we often neglect to nurture our professional relationships. Make it a monthly ritual to reach out to colleagues, mentors, or industry contacts. Schedule virtual coffee chats, attend networking events, or even participate in online forums related to your field. These connections can spark collaboration, inspire fresh ideas, and open doors to new opportunities that you may not have anticipated.

Flexibility is key in the fast-paced world of work. As you embark on your new month, remain open to adjusting your plans. If obstacles arise—because they inevitably will—view them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Cultivating resilience can be transformative; it empowers you to pivot, rethink strategies, and emerge stronger than before.

At the end of the month, take time to celebrate your achievements. This isn’t just about the big wins; it’s essential to acknowledge even the smallest victories. Consider starting a “success jar” where you can drop in notes about your accomplishments throughout the month. This simple practice reinforces a positive mindset and can provide a wonderful source of motivation when you need a boost.

As you wrap up the month, start planning for the next one. Set aside time to reassess your goals and reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This proactive approach helps you enter the new month with clarity and confidence, allowing you to hit the ground running. By preparing in advance, you’ll cultivate a sense of ownership over your career path and increase your chances of success.

Each month is more than just a passage of time; it’s an invitation to embrace change and growth. By treating each new month as a fresh start, you can cultivate a proactive and positive approach to your career. Reflect on the past, set meaningful goals, remain curious, nurture your connections, and celebrate your progress. This mindset not only empowers you to navigate your professional journey with intention but also transforms the way you perceive time and opportunity. So, as the new month dawns, seize the moment to redefine your career narrative and embark on a journey filled with potential and possibility.

An innovative site called TripInView hopes to change the way tourists perceive travel by presenting a bird’s eye view of the best sites that destinations have to offer. Their mission is to inform and offer the latest information on weather, location, and details regarding each destination from above.

 

TripInView takes geotagged aerial photographs and video of the entire coastline of countries that offer the best beaches and sun in a unique way. Here, they present Greece in a phenomenal way, from a bird’s eye!

Article Source: Greek Reporter

To view the FULL gallery of Greece from above, please visit: TripInView